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The TikTok ban is almost here—what is actually going to happen?

These are the four most likely scenarios.

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Zoe Kopidis & Ivan Jackson
January 13, 2025

Welcome to another edition of Overclocked! This week, we’re tackling one of the biggest question marks in the social media world: What will actually happen with the TikTok ban?

Before we get started, here’s the quick scoop of what else is going on in the world of tech ⬇️ 

🤳 Breaking Down the TikTok Ban: What Comes Next?

As the January 19 deadline approaches for TikTok to either divest from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a U.S. ban, several potential scenarios could unfold. Here's an analysis of the four main possibilities ⬇️ 

The TikTok ban is scheduled to take effect on January 19, 2025

1. The US Supreme Court delays the ban

TikTok has appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that the forced divestment violates First Amendment rights. The Court heard oral arguments on January 10, 2025, with justices expressing skepticism toward TikTok's claims. While a delay is possible, legal experts suggest the Court may uphold the law, making a postponement unlikely.

2. Trump renegotiates after a delay or ban

President-elect Donald Trump, set to take office on January 20, 2025, has requested the Supreme Court to delay the ban, seeking time to negotiate a resolution that addresses security concerns without banning TikTok. His administration could explore options such as facilitating a sale to a U.S. entity or implementing stringent data security measures to allow TikTok's continued operation under specific conditions.

3. The ban is upheld and TikTok refuses to sell

If the Supreme Court upholds the ban and ByteDance refuses to sell TikTok, the app would be removed from U.S. app stores, preventing new downloads and updates. Existing users might retain access temporarily, but without updates, the app's functionality would degrade over time, leading to security vulnerabilities and a diminished user experience.

4. TikTok sells the app

In the event of a forced sale, ByteDance may withhold TikTok's proprietary algorithm, which is central to its personalized content recommendations. A new owner without access to this algorithm would face challenges in maintaining the app's current user experience. Rebuilding or replacing the algorithm could result in a different content delivery system, potentially affecting user engagement and satisfaction.

Implications of an Upheld Ban

  • App Store Restrictions: Apple and Google would be required to remove TikTok from their U.S. app stores, blocking new downloads and updates.

  • Degradation Over Time: Without updates, TikTok's performance would decline, leading to potential security risks and reduced functionality.

  • User Access: While existing users might initially retain access, the app's degradation and lack of support would eventually render it unusable.

The future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain, hinging on legal decisions, potential negotiations by the incoming Trump administration, and ByteDance's willingness to divest. Each scenario presents unique challenges that could significantly impact TikTok's 170 million American users and the broader social media landscape.

📹️ Have you tried Sora yet? Check out our prompt of the week and see if you can beat it! ⬇️ 

"A cinematic ultra-realistic side-view scene set in the narrow cobblestone streets of the village of Haverholm, framed by old wooden houses with cracked walls and tightly shuttered windows. The tall figure, now without the hood, stands on one side, her long black hair flowing gently over her pale shoulders. Her completely black eyes shine with a bright, luminous light, casting an eerie glow on the dense black smoke swirling around her body. With a slow, deliberate motion, she extends both hands, launching streams of dense black smoke that move swiftly across the street. The camera captures the villagers—men, women, and children—being struck by the smoke. As it wraps around their bodies, they collapse, coughing and writhing on the ground, their expressions frozen in terror. Dust and mist swirl along the cobblestone streets, blending with the spreading black smoke, while the cold wind carries distant, chilling echoes of panic. The atmosphere is tense and oppressive, amplifying the chaos."

Think you can make a cooler video? Remix this prompt and send us the link!

As TikTok’s future hangs in the balance, the decisions made in the coming weeks will ripple across industries, users, and the broader tech landscape. Whether it’s a ban, a sale, or a renegotiation, one thing is clear: this is more than just an app—it’s a cultural and economic force at a turning point.

Stay tuned, stay curious, and we’ll see you next week for more insights in Overclocked!

Zoe and Ivan from Overclocked